Electronic Tombstone Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/705,602, which was filed on Oct. 10, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of tombstones. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tombstone comprising a body with integrated LED displays, lighting, weatherproof speakers, and motion sensors for interactive media playback and illumination. Additional features include secure media uploads via a weather-resistant QR code, solar or wired power options, and additional elements like animal deterrents, tribute storage compartments, and integrated vases for enhanced personalization and functionality in outdoor environments. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

Traditional tombstones, while serving as enduring markers of remembrance, offer limited functionality and flexibility in memorializing loved ones. Families and friends often attempt to personalize gravesites with flowers, photographs, and small decorations to honor the deceased. However, these efforts are frequently hindered by environmental factors such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures, which can damage or destroy these tributes. Wildlife can further exacerbate the problem by disturbing or displacing decorations. Additionally, theft or vandalism poses a constant risk to any items left at the site. This creates an ongoing challenge for families who wish to maintain the gravesite's appearance and ensure the longevity of their tributes.

Another significant limitation of traditional tombstones is their inability to provide illumination. During low light hours or nighttime visits, visitors may struggle to locate or view their loved one's gravesite, particularly in larger cemeteries. This lack of visibility can hinder individuals from fully experiencing moments of reflection or connection. Furthermore, conventional tombstones are static and cannot evolve to reflect the changing lives and memories of the deceased's family and friends. While many people cherish the idea of sharing new photos, messages, or videos over time, current solutions do not offer a way to integrate these updates into the gravesite. As digital technology becomes an increasingly integral part of daily life, there is growing interest in creating memorials that incorporate dynamic, interactive elements to better commemorate loved ones. These shortcomings underscore the need for an innovative solution that combines modern technology with traditional gravestone functionality to create a more meaningful, durable, and customizable memorial experience.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that provide a secure and weather-resistant tombstone for memorializing loved ones. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that offer illumination to enhance visibility during lowlight hours. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that enable families to upload and update digital tributes such as photos, videos, and messages remotely.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an electronic tombstone device. The device is comprised of a multifunctional tombstone device designed to enhance personalization, interactivity, and durability for outdoor applications. The device comprises a body featuring an LED display with anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and oleophobic treatments to support media playback in diverse orientations. Integrated lighting provides aesthetic and functional illumination, including customizable modes such as motion-activated or candlelight effects. The device also incorporates weatherproof speakers for personalized audio playback and motion sensors for triggering interactive features like media displays and lighting. Media uploads are facilitated via a secure, weather-resistant QR code leading to a password-protected webpage. Power options include solar panels with energy storage or alternative wired solutions. Additional features include motion-activated animal deterrents, protected storage compartments for tributes, and integrated vases with drainage systems, ensuring functionality and respect for memorial environments.

In this manner, the electronic tombstone device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a tombstone with an integrated LED screen capable of displaying photos, videos, and other digital media. The device enhances gravesite visibility with built-in lighting, ensuring it can be seen in lowlight conditions. The device also allows families and friends to update the displayed media by scanning a QR code linked to a mobile application, facilitating ongoing personalization. The device is powered by solar energy or rechargeable batteries, ensuring continuous functionality while being environmentally sustainable. By protecting decorations from weather, animals, and theft, and offering an innovative, interactive way to memorialize loved ones, the electronic tombstone device provides a modern and durable solution to traditional gravesite challenges.

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an electronic tombstone device comprised of a tombstone-shaped body, made of materials such as marble, granite, treated steel, or composites, and is customizable in shape and theme.

The body is comprised of at least one LED screen display featuring anti-glare coatings, automatic brightness sensors for optimal visibility, and durable, anti-scratch tempered glass with oleophobic treatments. The display supports media playback in multiple formats and orientations, with optional touch-sensitive and voice-command functionalities for interactive content navigation.

The device is comprised of integrated lighting components, such as LED strips or spotlights, offering multiple modes, including continuous illumination, scheduled activation, and motion-triggered effects. A “memorial mode” mimics candlelight for a serene ambiance, and repositionable mounts enable adjustable placement.

The device is further comprised of weatherproof speakers for audio playback, with motion sensors enabling interactive features such as activating the display, lights, and audio upon detecting a visitor's presence. Media uploads are facilitated via a durable, weather-resistant QR code linking to a secure webpage with password protection and multi-factor authentication for privacy.

Power is supplied by solar panels mounted for optimal sunlight exposure, with energy stored in batteries for night or overcast conditions. Alternative wired or rechargeable battery options are also available in different embodiments.

The body is comprised of additional features, including motion-activated ultrasonic devices to deter animals, storage compartments for small tributes, and integrated vases to maintain floral arrangements. These elements collectively enhance the device's usability, personalization, and durability in outdoor environments.

Accordingly, the electronic tombstone device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a tombstone with an integrated LED screen capable of displaying photos, videos, and other digital media. The device enhances gravesite visibility with built-in lighting, ensuring it can be seen in lowlight conditions. The device also allows families and friends to update the displayed media by scanning a QR code linked to a mobile application, facilitating ongoing personalization. The device is powered by solar energy or rechargeable batteries, ensuring continuous functionality while being environmentally sustainable. By protecting decorations from weather, animals, and theft, and offering an innovative, interactive way to memorialize loved ones, the electronic tombstone device provides a modern and durable solution to traditional gravesite challenges. In this manner, the electronic tombstone device overcomes the limitations of existing tombstones known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that provide a secure and weather-resistant tombstone for memorializing loved ones. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that offer illumination to enhance visibility during lowlight hours. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for electronic tombstone devices that enable families to upload and update digital tributes such as photos, videos, and messages remotely.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an electronic tombstone device comprised of a tombstone-shaped body, constructed from materials such as marble, granite, treated steel, or composites, and customizable in both shape and theme.

The body is comprised of at least one LED screen display with anti-glare coatings, automatic brightness sensors for improved visibility, and durable, anti-scratch tempered glass treated with oleophobic coatings. The display supports media playback in various formats and orientations, with optional touch-sensitive and voice-command functionalities to enable interactive content navigation.

The device is comprised of integrated lighting components, such as LED strips or spotlights, which provide multiple modes, including continuous illumination, scheduled activation, and motion-triggered effects. A “memorial mode” produces a candlelight-like flickering effect, and repositionable mounts allow adjustable placement of the lighting components.

The device is further comprised of weatherproof speakers for audio playback, with motion sensors that enable features such as activating the display, lights, and audio when a visitor is detected. Media uploads are supported via a durable, weather-resistant QR code that links to a secure webpage with password protection and multi-factor authentication for privacy.

Power is supplied through solar panels mounted for optimal sunlight exposure, with energy stored in batteries for use during nighttime or overcast conditions. Alternative wired or rechargeable battery options are available in different embodiments.

The body is comprised of additional features, including motion-activated ultrasonic devices to deter animals, storage compartments for small tributes, and integrated vases with drainage systems to preserve floral arrangements. These features enhance usability, personalization, and durability in outdoor settings.

The electronic tombstone device provides a modern solution by integrating an LED screen for displaying photos, videos, and digital media, along with built-in lighting for enhanced gravesite visibility. The QR code functionality allows ongoing personalization, and the use of solar energy or rechargeable batteries ensures environmentally sustainable operation. By protecting decorations from weather, animals, and theft, the device addresses challenges faced by traditional tombstones and offers an interactive and durable way to memorialize loved ones, overcoming the limitations of existing designs.

1 FIG. 100 100 100 102 102 102 Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an electronic tombstone deviceof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The deviceis comprised of several key features designed to enhance functionality, durability, and user experience. More specifically, the deviceis comprised of a body. The bodymay be any tombstone shape, such as, but not limited to, rectangular, curved, or custom artistic forms designed to reflect individual preferences or themes. The bodymay be made from any material, such as, but not limited to, marble, granite, treated steel, or composite materials engineered for durability in outdoor conditions.

102 104 104 106 108 104 104 109 104 104 104 104 1 FIG. The bodyis comprised of at least one LED screen display, as seen in. The displaymay be comprised of an anti-glare coatingto enhance visibility under various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight or overcast skies. Additionally, an automatic brightness sensoris integrated to adapt the brightness of the displaydynamically, ensuring optimal visibility during transitions from day to night or in dim environments. To ensure durability and maintain long-term functionality, the displayis comprised of an anti-scratch tempered glass, which may be further treated with oleophobic coatingsto resist fingerprints and smudges, thus reducing maintenance requirements. The displayis capable of enabling playback of various media file types, such as JPEG, PNG, and MP4, and supports both landscape and portrait orientations for content presentation. Optionally, the displaymay include touch-sensitive functionality, which allows users to interact directly with the displayby swiping through photo galleries, selecting specific videos, or zooming into images for a closer view. In one embodiment, the displaymay be controlled via voice commands, providing an additional layer of accessibility for users.

102 110 110 102 110 112 110 110 111 1 FIG. The bodyis further comprised of at least one light, as seen in. The lightmay be any type of lighting component, such as, but not limited to, LED strips or spotlights, which are integrated into the bodyto provide illumination that enhances the monument's design. The lightis capable of operating in a plurality of lighting modes, including continuous illumination for a steady glow, timed schedules for specific activation periods, and motion-triggered activation as detected by at least one motion sensor. In one embodiment, the lightmay include a specialized “memorial mode,” which provides flickering effects designed to mimic the appearance of candlelight, creating a serene and respectful ambiance during memorial visits. In one embodiment, the lightsare attached via at least one adjustable/repositionable mount.

100 105 107 100 100 107 104 110 105 104 The devicemay also be comprised of at least one weatherproof speaker, which is capable of playing recorded messages, favorite songs, or curated playlists to personalize the memorial experience. In one embodiment, at least one motion sensoris included to activate certain features of the device. For example, when visitors approach the device, the motion sensormay trigger the activation of the display, the lights, audio playback from the speaker, specific slideshows on the display, etc., thereby creating an interactive and responsive experience.

104 114 102 114 114 102 114 116 104 116 118 120 100 140 100 104 104 142 114 2 FIG. Media upload functionality to the displayis facilitated through a laser-etched QR codethat is integrated into the body. The QR codeis designed to be durable and weather-resistant, allowing it to remain functional under outdoor conditions such as exposure to rain, sunlight, or temperature fluctuations. Preferably, the QR codeis positioned discreetly on the body, such as on the base or edge, where it remains accessible but does not detract from the aesthetic design. When scanned, the QR codedirects users to a secure webpage/mobile applicationwhere photos, videos, and messages can be uploaded for display on the LED screen. The webpage/applicationis preferably secured through password protectionor multi-factor authentication, as seen in, to prevent unauthorized access or uploads, thereby maintaining the privacy and integrity of the content. In a different embodiment, the deviceis comprised of a Bluetooth transmitterthat allows a user to wirelessly connect a smart device to the devicein order to upload content to the screen. In addition, the screenmay also be comprised of a hologram projectorthat can project 3D holograms as uploaded via a smart device and/or the QR code.

104 122 122 102 124 122 122 126 100 126 126 The displayis powered by at least one solar panelin one embodiment. The solar panelmay be attached to the bodyvia at least one adjustable mount, such as, but not limited to, pivoting brackets or fixed angled mounts, which allow the solar panelto optimize its positioning for maximum sunlight exposure. Power generated by the solar panelis stored in at least one battery, which is capable of retaining excess energy generated during the day for use at night or during overcast weather. In areas where solar power is impractical, the devicemay alternatively be powered by a wired batteryor a rechargeable battery, providing flexible options to accommodate various environmental and logistical requirements.

100 100 128 102 130 102 132 The devicefurther incorporates comprehensive measures to protect decorations and media. To deter animals, the devicemay include motion-activated ultrasonic devices, such as, but not limited to, emitters or speakers, which are calibrated to specific frequencies that gently discourage animal interference without disturbing visitors or detracting from the solemn environment. In one embodiment, the bodyis comprised of storage compartmentsfor storing small tributes, such as flowers or keepsakes, in a protected environment. Additionally, the bodymay be comprised of integrated vases, which are designed to hold floral arrangements.

100 Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “electronic tombstone device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the electronic tombstone deviceof the present invention.

100 100 100 100 100 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the electronic tombstone deviceof the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the electronic tombstone deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the electronic tombstone deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the electronic tombstone deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the electronic tombstone devicemay be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.